Class Track: Construction

Monday, April 8
Import CAD, Civil3D, and DGN Files: 9-10:30AM
Learn how to take the varying range of source data (Civil3D, DGN, LandXML, Xrefs, etc.) provided by engineers and turn them into 3D Models used in Estimating, Layout, and/or Machine Control.

Working with PDF and Raster Files: 10:30AM-12PM
This session will examine the PROs and CONs of different takeoff methods to use when a CAD file is unavailable. Options include: “on-screen” digitize, raster trace, and fully-automated conversion. Also examine which method is best depending on the source: PDF, TIF, DWF, JPG image file.

Drawing Cleanup 3D Data Prep: 1:30-3PM
Typical CAD files can have numerous drafting errors that must be fixed before surfaces can be modeled. See the many functions in Takeoff that fix common errors in this session and learn the commands that remove unnecessary data found in many drawing files. Special emphasis will also be made on different methods of elevating linework into 3D.

Takeoff for Roads/Sections: 10:30AM-12PM
This class will deal with how to estimate and build roads in Carlson Takeoff. Different methods for estimating roads will be covered including: digitizing paper plan cross-sections, working with electronic road data, and building road models through the RoadNETwork routine. Preparing road jobs for Machine Control and/or Stakeout will also be covered. Instructor: Todd Carlson, Carlson Software

Merging two PDFs according to a match line.

Material Quantities and Reports: 1:15-2:45PM
Learn how to generate all the unique Earthwork Volume Reports that can be created in Carlson Takeoff, including: Cut/Full, Shrink/Swell, Topsoil Removal and Replacement, Subgrade Materials, and Areas of Interest.

Trenching: 3:15-4:45PM
Learn how to develop and edit trench networks and assign materials including pipe components, bedding, and backfill in this comprehensive class. Perform earthwork and materials quantity takeoffs for the entire trench network as well as for individual trench reaches. This session will also examine the tools to create pipe and utility trench graphic output including plan view labeling, profiles, and standard detail views of trench cross sections. Instructor: Todd Carlson, Carlson Software

Import CAD, Civil3D, and DGN files: 10:30AM-12PM
Learn how to take the varying range of source data (Civil3D, DGN, LandXML, Xrefs, etc.) provided by engineers and turn them into 3D Models used in Estimating, Layout, and/or Machine Control. (Repeated Class)

Working with PDF and Raster files: 1:15-2:45PM
This session will examine the PROs and CONs of different takeoff methods to use when a CAD file is unavailable. Options include: “on-screen” digitize, raster trace, and fully-automated conversion. Also examine which method is best depending on the source: PDF, TIF, DWF, JPG image file. (Repeated Class)

Monday, April 8
Basic Model Building: 9-10:30AM
In this session we will be discussing the theory and algorithms of surface preparation in Carlson Construction and Takeoff. We will show varying data types appropriate for creating surfaces and discuss the ramifications of data types. An example of how to prepare a surface will be shown and the settings will be explained. Following that will be a demonstration on how to perform QA/QC analysis to ensure surface integrity.

Advanced Site Building From a Modeler’s View Point: 10:45AM-12:15PM
You have mastered the commercial site; the field crews are happy and the grader makes perfect parking lots. But, there is a lot more you can do to increase profits and improve productivity. Marco will take you beyond the site and really dig deep into the details that will make that last 10% of data’s ability a reality: more uses for points, multiple surfaces, combine roads and sites to make seamless models. Make parking lots behave the way you want them to. Use survey routines to make better sites a reality. Plus, how to show an engineer what you want the graded surface to look like. Instructor: Marco Cecala

3D Highway Road Modeling: 1:30-3PM
In this session, we will go through an exercise that develops a centerline and completes it to a full highway with supers and station sections to link it all together. Part of getting that highway done will be preparing this 3D highway for exporting to machine control formats. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences. This will show how user-friendly Carlson Software is in accomplishing this sometimes grueling task for 3D model builders and contractors. Instructor: Walt Liles

3D Model Building for Sites: 3:15-4:45PM
There is more to a site model than just the top surface! Learn how to create detailed 3D models of any project site including subsurfaces, utility trenching, and building features in this intermediate level class. The tools available in the Carlson Construction and Takeoff products can be used to generate full-featured models of complex site grading that can be used with any BIM system, as well as be the basis for implementing machine control systems, advanced layout techniques, and construction management.

Tuesday, April 9
Taking the ‘Data’ from 2D to 3D: 8:30-10AM
We will take look at the background of the different deliverables from the past and current. We will discuss the various types of deliverables that you may get and what today’s machine control equipment needs. Open discussions will be encouraged during this session. Instructor: Mike Hyman, Carlson Software

3D Utilities for a BIM Project: 10:30AM-12PM
More jobs are utilizing a Building Information Model (BIM) for increased productivity. These contractors are now requiring the horizontal (Civil) contractor to do the same. Learn what is required of you to be a part of this exciting portion of the business. You will learn the terminology, processes and deliverables that will satisfy contract requirements. Marco will cover specifications, the process of building an appropriate network, which will include collision reporting, tables, reports, plotting and model production to take you from start to finish. Instructor: Marco Cecala

Creating Geo-referenced Data Sets from PDF: 1:15-2:45PM
Vectorized PDF construction documents are continuing to gain prominence as the preferred method of the transmitting of pre-construction design intent. Learn how PDF-processing tools found in Carlson Construction and Carlson Takeoff can be used to transform this Portable Document Format into usable information for preliminary earthwork estimates. Also in this session, steps will be covered that illustrate a process that can be followed to visualize and validate this design intent in its proper geo-referenced location. Instructor: Ladd Nelson, Carlson Software

Data Prep for Machine Control: 3:15-4:45PM
This class will show you how to prepare data to load into a Machine Control System.

Wednesday, April 10
3D Highway Road Modeling: 8:30-10AM
In this session, we will go through an exercise that develops a centerline and completes it to a full highway with supers and station sections to link it all together. Part of getting that highway done will be preparing this 3D highway for exporting to machine control formats. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences. This will show how user-friendly Carlson Software is in accomplishing this sometimes grueling task for 3D model builders and contractors. (Repeated Class) Instructor: Walt Liles

3D Utilities for a BIM Project: 10:30AM-12PM
More jobs are utilizing a Building Information Model, (BIM) for increased productivity. These contractors are now requiring the horizontal (Civil) contractor to do the same. Learn what is required of you to be a part of this exciting portion of the business. You will learn the terminology, processes and deliverables that will satisfy contract requirements. Marco will cover specifications, the process of building an appropriate network, which will include collision reporting, tables, reports, plotting and model production to take you from start to finish. (Repeated Class) Instructor: Marco Cecala

Bringing in Field Data into the Office: 1:15-2:45PM
This class will show you how to bring data from the field to the office and how to merge existing with new from a contractors view.

Preparing a job for Stakeout: 3:15-4:45PM
We will show different methods for obtaining data from drawing entities for field stakeout to include Parking Lots, Buildings, Roads and basic DTM building for grade layout.